Just back from Paris
 

Got in yesterday, was so sad to leave, as always. I'm not going to write a real report, you'd be bored I'm sure, just going to give a few highlights.

First of all, the weather was absolutely perfect. about 75 -80 during the day, and cooled down at night. Over the course of my 8 night stay, I think it rained for maybe an hour.

Paris was the least crowded I've ever experienced. This was first time in August. My other trips have been in Dec, Jan, March, April, May, and July.

I rode the Batobus for the first time. I bought a 5 day pass for only 20 euros. I think this is one of the best deals in Paris.

I walked, and walked, and walked some more. Mostly in Montmartre. I gave myself a real work out.

I drank a lot of champagne and wine. I spent a lot of time in parks, mostly the Jardin du Luxembourg. I spent a couple afternoons at the beach, and I have a nice tan to show for it.

I enjoyed the Soldes. I got a great deal on some silk scarves and a gorgeous silver necklace.

If there was a down side, I'd have to say that it was many of the better restaurants are closed. I knew this in advance, however, and was prepared. This was a totally last minute trip, and it was either go now, or wait until next summer. I couldn't wait.

My best meal of the trip was at Le Caveau de l'Isle. I had escargots, steak, and tiramisu.
I was so happy that it was open. Otherwise I ate mostly cafe food. IMO Cafe Marly, and Cafe de Flore have the best cafe food.

I travel solo, and I met a ton of people from all over. Russia, Serbia, Argentina, the UK, Canada, Italy, Morroco, Egypt, and fellow US travelers like myself. I ended up going out on two dates.

Paris was just what I needed to lift my spirits. I was a complete mess before I left, but the magic that is Paris helped me feel restored and vital again.

Feel free to post more. I never bore of Paris :)

Interesting in Cafe de Flore, most people here don't recommend it for a meal. Were you there for lunch or dinner? Menu?

Caveau, nice place.

Michel I wouldn't recommend it for a meal either. Just that it is good for cafe food. I had omlettes and salads which were good, for what they are. I would rather have roasted pigeon at L'Hotel, but sadly it was closed.

I like your sceen name.
How hard was it getting into Marly? I've not gone assuming crowds from Louvre would be crazy

Like you, I'm taking a totally last minute trip to Paris, solo, because I can't wait a year either! I'm leaving in a few weeks.

Glad you had great weather and lovely days. Where did you stay? Was it the Batobus pass that cost 20 euros, and did you use it for most of your transportation? If so, that's a new idea for me.

Batobus is sort of a 'public transit' option. It has a fixed set to stops on Seine. You will probably still need to use the RER and Metro to get around.

Michel I've never had a problem getting into the Cafe Marly. I've probably been there at least 20 times.

Nancy I always stay near the rue de Buci (surprising I know). I liked the Batobus because it is much cheaper than the other boats, if you take it more than once that is. It is definitely not an efficient way to transport around Paris though, it's just fun to do on a nice day. I've always liked being on or near water. Plus, the Batobus is seen in one of my favorite movies, "Before Sunset".

You should not reveal to the whole world the secret that Paris is extremely pleasant in August. More people might come and spoil it for the rest of us.

Quite right, kerouac. Terrible place. No snow, no Christmas market, why would anyone go?